January was visitor month!

We had three visitor's this past month, and it was so fun. The perk of living in a fun place is having people come visit. I also get to be a tourist myself! When our family and friends come down, it gives me an excuse to see the city like I was seeing it for the first time. Our first visitor of the month was Greg's brother, Ryan. He came down for New Years. We had great weather. To think of it. We haven't had a lot of cold days this past January. Here are some pictures from Ry's visit.

We were all suprised to see a gator in the month of January.

Our captain and Greg. I just would like to point out, as I was taking this I was very upset when I saw the peace sign go up. I hate when people do this in pictures.

Sucessful trip!

The next visitor to come down was my sister! She loved it down here. I can't wait for her to come back.

 Greg went home early and it was Anna and I. We danced all night and it reminded me of being 21 again. I paid for it the next day.

Ann and I on the street car

Strolling in the Quarter. My favorite part is looking at the balconies.

My next visitor was Megan! Her work was having a conference down here so she came down 2 days early to hang out. Greg had to work the whole time she was here :( It's been a busy month for him. Sadly he missed out on some fun, but she'll be back in April so hopefully he won't be working. While she was here, 2  of her co-workers came down and they wanted to see a plantation. I thought Oak Alley was perfect to show. It's so beautiful. I've always wanted to see it. So I was happy we were going.

 Megan and I on the balcony

 Sitting Room

 This house is actually not that big. There are only 9 rooms. The reason it looks so big is because of it's massive balcony which is around 8 ft out. It's so hot down here that they usually open all the doors. The balcony creates a shade. Also a tid bit - before the Stewarts moved in they had to replace the floors. It was originally marble to keep the house cool. The family before them use to ride their horses through the house and it damaged the flooring. I was actually upset to hear this. I would be one pissed off lady if my husband and kids were doing that.

The dining room. The thing above the table is a fan. They had a servent who would stand there by the rope and fan them at a perfect wave. They could not blow the candles out. Hope he got dessert or something after. What an annoying job.

Bedroom

How beautiful is the molding and the chandelier?! Puts our fixture to shame in the living room.

These trees are over 300 years old. Gorge.

Could you imagine having your wedding reception here and in the back courtyard. How awesome would it be? Perfect setting for a wedding who loves a rich history and Southern charm.

This place is just beautiful.

2012 started off great! Can't wait for them all to come back again! Remember, we love visitors. This place is great to visit. You won't be dissappointed :)



Our early Christmas gift

"For me a house or an apartment becomes a home when you add one set of four legs, a happy tail, and that indescribable measure of love that we call a dog."

  -Roger Caras, president emeritus, ASPCA

I'm not one to take "no" for an answer. Especially when it's something I really really want.

When we moved here I asked my landlord if we could get a dog. I was alone, bored and I had been wanting a dog for so long. His reply... "No - the craigslist said NO PETS". I gave up on the idea for a few months. I guess I was just really P'ed off because our neighbors downstairs had a dog, and I thought that was unfair. Plus keep in mind our landlord is an animal acupuncturist (yes, I know, what is that?). He loves animals. How can an animal lover deny me of saving a life?

Every year he comes down in November when our other neighbor heads home for a month to visit. I thought this was my perfect opportunity to talk to him about a dog. To talk about his concerns and what I could do to make him say yes. He told me he would think about it, and he'd let us know his decision when he left. Well Friday came along and we still heard nothing. He left Saturday and headed back to California. Our hearts were crushed. I was like a kid who found out Santa was not real. How could he string us along for a week. It was all I talked about, or thought about. I was becoming obsessed, also starting to be annoying. On Monday I wrote him a very lengthy email about why he should say yes, and how much joy he would bring into my life. I don't know how anyone could turn down this email. After giving Greg and I the run-a-round for a few weeks, I finally found a dog that fit his liking. He never barks, he's house trained (except tonight we had an accident), loves people and other dogs. Seriously he is perfect. We couldn't feel more lucky. We rescued Louie from Southern Animal Foundation. They found him tied up to the back alley, and he'd been in the shelter for 2 months. I am stunned that no one adopted him. I mean I'm kinda glad he wasn't adopted because we got him, and we're going to give him the best home. I guess it was all about timing. Our first Christmas together is even more special because we have extended our family.

Merry Christmas!

This face does no wrong

He loves to nap with Greg on the couch



Until next time!

Sorry!

I would like to apologize to everyone who has asked about this blog, and I reply "I'll work on it soon", which means, "one day". The apology is mostly for people who actually follow us: our Mom's, Grandmother's, and a few friends.


Now that I'm not cleaning, doing laundry, doing the dishes, and sitting around watching The View (which is awful), Bravo, and E! I don't have the time like I use to. I ended up getting a job back in September with the New Orleans Bar Association. I really like it, the job itself, and the ladies there. With the time change I only have about 3 hours after work, and then it's the same routine until Friday evening. Let me tell you, that being a hour behind is horrible. I still can't get my TV times right. I vowed that when I got job the first thing we are getting is DVR. That way I wouldn't miss Modern Family. Nothing much major has really happened since the last post. Greg's Dad came down for a visit, work related, but more so for a visit. We've done stuff here and there, but the best thing is we got a dog! I'm saving that for his own special post. The month of November was great for Greg's work schedule. He got to sleep in, and had weekends off. We even got to spend time with his family for Thanksgiving. It has been 6 1/2 months since I've seen his family and mine. So now I'm counting down until the 23rd. I can't wait to see everyone!


I promise I'll keep this updated. It will be my New Years Resolution. Along with eating right, and working out. Not because I want to be healthy, because I have a bridal gown that needs to look spectacular ;)


Here are some pictures that I've taken a long the way

Here are my co-workers!

Christa and I went to a Street Food Fair to sample some local restaurants around NOLA

 Kermit Ruffins. A very famous trumpet player. One of New Orleans biggest local acts. Very fun!

This is Mya, who I met when I first moved down here. Greg and I joined her and husband Tony to help celebrate her birthday at Mimi's in the Marigny. She is a doll!

Mimi's plays the funkiest music, and it's a great time!

Greg and I at Pat O' Briens. A must stop when you're here. So of course we had to bring Tom

Tom is a man of mystery. Very anti-pictures for the internet. I will respect his wishes.....

Christa and I hearing the Rebirth Brass Band. Which we payed the next day for. Rough day/night.

This picture is a little blurry, but one Saturday Greg, Matt and myself ventured in the French Quarter and stumbled upon a second line wedding parade. Behind the brass band is a couple who just got married. The wedding party marches down the Quarter. Seems like a fun tradition.... If you like all eyes on you.



http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/street-fare-derby/Content?oid=1882299

http://www.mimisinthemarigny.net/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6hAa3v9MYA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E1VBCcA76E

http://www.nola.com/weddings/index.ssf/2011/04/second_line.html

Until next time!!!

A Day at the Zoo!

So while Greg is at work, and I'm on my own, I try to keep myself  busy. BTW - trying to find a job is a job. So that is what I'm currently doing at the moment. It's a lot harder than I thought it would be, especially in the city of New Orleans - who would have thought? I needed a break from the internet job search, doing the dishes (we don't have a dishwasher), and laundry. So I decided that I'm going to go to the zoo. It was nice to get out and just do something. Plus I love animals! Sometimes I wonder why I didn't go into marine biology, or zoology. Oh, I know, because it has the word 'ology' in it. Science - not my strongest subject.

Don't you just want to take it home?

I got him to look right at the camera!

My worst enemy.

The peacock was wondering around the zoo. Kinda scary at one point.

All of the "cat family" were asleep. It was so hot outside that I felt bad for them.





I ended up taking tons of pictures of the animals. It was actually a pretty good zoo for the size it is. I plan on going back!

In need of a Mom fix

My Mom (Susan) & I on her birthday :)

So a few weeks ago, I was pretty much in need for my Mom to come and visit me. I knew it would be hard being away from family and friends, but after a month, ok maybe a few weeks it really started to hit me. I needed her to come down pronto. It was a perfect 6 days. We organized the apartment, she took me shopping to decorate the place to make it feel more like home, and I got to show her around our new town!

Before she came down, Greg and I talked about surprising her with a Swamp Tour. She is OBSESSED with the show Swamp People. So we thought she would really be surprised. I couldn't let her come down and not take her on a swamp tour. Now as a resident (yep, we had to get a new driver license, RIP WV one), we have a job to do here when people come and visit. Make sure they get a good feeling of this place, and have fun!

So Saturday morning we took her on a tour. She had a blast, and I just liked watching Greg and my Mom have fun. If you know me, this kind of thing isn't for me, but I did enjoy myself. I have to say that oddly I found the swamp a beautiful place - minus bugs, wasps, and the hot humid heat. I hear WV was more hot than LA a week ago.... welcome to our world! All in all we had a great time, and I recommend doing this with all our guest who are interested in seeing the outdoors of Louisiana.

Check out the hornet nest! Does the movie My Girl come to mind?

Yep, that's a marshmellow. Not only do they enjoy eating fish and people. They have a sweet tooth!

http://www.cajunencounters.com/swamp_tour.html

Next time we'll have to find Troy to take us out!